The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Oxalis Cocktail Stand – Modern Gothic Handcrafted Pedestal Base Side Table
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drawing influence from gothic architecture and design, the Oxalis collection encapsulates the studio's concept of medieval modern design. Likening our current era to the feudal dark ...
Copper
$4,377Sale Price|25% Off
9'2"x11'8" Caviar Black Wool and Silk Botanical Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Caviar Black, Half Wool and Half Silk, Borderless Botanical Design, Densely Woven, Soft Pile, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Silk
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Maximilian's Hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of « The month of July or The sign of the lion or The report, from the tapestry ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
French Hand-Printed Tapestry in Medieval style - H 114 x L 97 cm - N° 1438
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
17th-18th Century Italian Medieval St. Rosso Verona Carved Marble Fountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extraordinary 17/18th century Italian large scale Medieval st. square Rosso Verona marble hand carved fountain. The fountain with its grand scale one piece basin has a mottled bas...
Marble
$414Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Persian Gabbeh Signed Geometric Medallions Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Very Large Reclaimed Medieval Style Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A very large rectangular reclaimed medieval style stained glass window, one of three similar in the same design in different sizes we are selling. This stained and leaded glass pan...
Lead
Rare Gothic German Oak and Iron Chest Known as "Stollentruhe" 16th century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The large rectangular standing chest on stile feet, extensively mounted with wrought ironwork straps with stylised sixfoil motif. These are fixed with convex head nails: running vert...
Iron
Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Side Table / Martini Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish drinks table on a tripod base, Spain, 1950s Entirely made in hand forged iron, gilt finish. It has a clean design with Gothic style acce...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal
Set of 9 Antique English Gothic Style Encaustic Tiles
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking set of nine ecclesiastical antique English encaustic tiles. Stamped with maker’s marks to the reverse, this collection includes eight buff and red terracotta tiles in the ...
Clay
Gothic Style Solid Brass Tiered Floor Standing Candelabra Tripod Bases a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Gothic style solid cast brass tiered floor standing candelabra with tripod bases, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so ...
Brass
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Hand Painted French Tapestry with Medieval Museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the allure of the 15th-century masterpiece in your home with this exquisite midcentury French tapestry. featuring the design of a medieval tapestry “Charles of Orleans and M...
Cotton
A large and exceptional 15th c. Gothic leather and iron bound travelling chest
Located in PARIS, FR
Large leather and iron bound travel chest, very rare in its dimensions Late 15th century, Northern France Dimensions: h.103 cm, w. 178 cm, d. 77cm ( (H. 40.55 in, w. 70.08 in. d. 30.31 in) Our rectangular-shaped chest opens with a rounded lid. It is entirely covered in leather veneered on a wooden core, and decorated with wrought and crafted iron frames and hinges. It is garnished on all sides with iron hinges cut at the ends of Gothic trefoils. On the facade two lock plates with cut-out cloverleaf borders fitted with a hasp (one missing) attached to the cover. The iron bands serving as reinforcements on all sides as well as the central bands are decorated with plant and floral friezes and geometric patterns. These strips are attached to the wood using daisy-headed nails, typical of the French Renaissance. Given its size and loaded weight, our trunk has four carrying handles: two wrought iron side handles, but also two front handles. The interior has a stretched fabric dating from at least the 17th century, we find on the interior sides of the cover the original raspberry-colored vellum. This is a rare model in leather and iron of very large dimensions. Expensive materials, which were only used on small Gothic boxes (20 cm to 50 cm in length) like those in the public collections of many museums. Large chests exceeding 1 meter in length for the sake of economy and simplicity were generally made of wood sometimes covered with iron cladding. We found a large chest in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, but still smaller than ours (inv. 47.144, dim. H: 22 1/2" W: 50 1/2" D: 21"). There are also two similar large chests (with flat or slightly domed lids) in the collections of the Barcelona Leather...
Wrought Iron
$2,895Sale Price|25% Off
Beige Worn Wool Distressed Look Old Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Monumental Cast Bronze Exterior Lanterns By The General Electric Company
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in Nottingham, GB
MONUMENTAL CAST BRONZE EXTERIOR LANTERNS BY THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Run of Four – Formerly Installed at the G.E.C Factory, Swinton, South Yorkshire An exceptionally rare survi...
Bronze
15th Century Burgundian Low-Relief Depicting Scenes of the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy. The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts : • The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census • The Nativity • The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time. This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth. On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus. Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors. A woman assists to the scene. In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn. The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard. Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet. Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him. The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure. The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar. This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries. The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism. Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century. Literature Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Walnut
Set of 6 Belgian Dining Chairs with Rush Seats and High Arched Backs, 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stately and architectural set of six Belgian oak dining chairs from the 1960s, crafted from stripped wood with angular frames and high backs. The tall, panel-style backrests featur...
Rush, Wood
A Pair 19th Century Candelabras - Bronze Patinated Spelter - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of 2 antique candelabras in Gothic style. The candelabras each have room for three candles. Estimated origin and age: France, circa 1900. The candelabras are made of ...
Spelter
Neo-Gothic style chapel-cabinet on a carved and lacquered wooden column
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Neo-Gothic style chapel-cabinet on a carved and lacquered wooden column lacquered wooden Corinthian column - Antique Decorative composition of a chapel cabinet placed on a column mou...
Glass, Wood
Antique Gothic Solid Oak Wine Seller Door with Original Wrought Iron Hardware
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and authentic 14th-century or earlier Gothic French oak door, originating from a medieval French castle in the Côtes du Rhône -wine region of south of France. C...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Set of Eight European Handmade Solid Oak Chairs, 1970s
Located in Beerse, VAN
This set of eight handmade solid oak chairs embodies the honest craftsmanship of the 1970s. Designed and built by their original owner, a graphic designer with a background in art e...
Rush, Oak
2 Light Golden Oak Dining Side Hall Chairs Gothic Steeple Back Antique Pugin
By Pugin
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and extremely rare pair of Pugin-style gothic golden oak steeple back chairs in wonderful condition. Likely made around the Mid-20th Century, these beautifully crafted and...
Oak
Antique Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Torchiere Altar Candle Stand Floor Lamp 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique wrought / forged iron converted torchiere candle stand / candle holder floor lamp featuring Gothic / Spanish styling with scrolled accents, fleur de lis and two lights....
Iron
Moldovan Rose Kilim • Vintage European Flatweave Wool Rug • 8×13 • 1940s
Located in Burlingame, CA
Moldovan Rose Vintage Kilim • Handmade Wool Carpet • 8x12 European Floral Flatweave Area Rug for Living Room, Bedroom, Dining, Kitchen & Study ✔ This handmade vintage rug from E...
Wool, Cotton
Nice French Aubusson Style hand printed tapestry « enchanted park »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "The Enchanted Park." Adorned with ex...
Wool, Cotton
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Maximilian's Hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of « The month of July or The sign of the lion or The report, from the tapestry ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Antique Stained Glass Window 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
A fragment of a 19th-century stained-glass window with the following stained colors of gray, blue, and pink, depicting a soldier looking up at a seated woman. A beautiful depiction ...
Blown Glass, Stained Glass
Sterling Silver with Parcel Gilt Medieval Knights, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver with Gold Wash Historical Knight Figurines, likely German ,Set of Three. Each depicts an iconic medieval warrior . Modeled in full armor with parce...
Sterling Silver
$4,366Sale Price|25% Off
9'x11'10" Marlin Blue Peshawar Tree of Life Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier Country: France Materials: Gilt Metal Condition: Shows Patina From Age Style: French Gothic Year: 1950’s $1,895 Dimensions: 30”H x 24”W x 24”D
Metal
Antique Grotesque Monk Wall Candle Head in Plaster, Italy 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sculptural candleholder for wall mount. A medieval style inspired painted plaster head depicting a monks head. Grotesque caricature with strong evil/dark features. It was mad...
Plaster
$810Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x7'9" Pink, Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hot Pink, Broken Persian Design Tone on Tone, Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in...
Silk
French Carved Oak Gothic Style Overdoor, Circa 1910
Located in Dallas, TX
These Gothic-style carvings of this French overdoor are quite masterful, most noticeably the depth, such as the fleur de lys with arcading and trefoils behind it. This hand-carved pa...
Wood, Oak
Pair of English Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) gilt bronze 9 arm candelabras (PRICED AS PAIR) Triangular base 8.5\" each side
Bronze
Virgin with Child. Carved and polychrome wood. Spanish school, 13th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Virgin with Child. Carved and polychrome wood. Spanish school, 13th century. It has faults. Polychrome wood carving that shows the Virgin sitting on a throne, with her right hand r...
Other
Spanish Handcrafted Forged Wrought Iron Oak Castle Chandelier, Mid-19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Unique handcrafted forged wrought iron and oak castle candle chandelier, Spain, mid-19th century. Wrought Iron beautifully forged in Medieval style, 8 candle holders on a rubust hand...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Inglenook Grate Set on Dragon Andirons These are heavy Iron Andirons
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Inglenook Grate Set on Dragon Andirons These are heavy Iron Andirons with claw feet and brass faces, they come with a good grate suitable for both coal or logs which sits n...
Iron
Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Glastonbury chair. An English, oak armchair in Gothic Revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. A superb example of the traditional Glastonbury fo...
Oak
$1,931Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-20th Century French Iron and Brass Ring Chandelier with 6 Torches
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant chandelier was made in France in the 1960s. It features a black patinated steel ring supporting 6 brass torches. The torches end with beautiful yellow twisted glass cove...
Brass, Steel
French Charles X Birds Eye Maple Mirrored Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Charles X birds eye maple and ebonized trim and inlaid Gothic design console table with platform base and mirrored back with gilt floral carved edge on top.
Gold Leaf
$417Sale Price|25% Off
3'2"x6'8" Pink Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Worn Out Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coral Pink, Vintage Persian Hamadan with Anchored Medallion, Worn Out and Distressed, Zero Pile, Clean, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Lat...
Wool
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
12th Century Rare Romanesque Wood Sculpture of the Virgin Mary
Located in Vero Beach, FL
12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest. It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...
Stone
Model Of Nieuwerkerke, Battle Of The Duke Of Clarence, Bronze, Late 19th Century
By Count Alfred Émilien O'Hara van Nieuwerkerke
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze representing the Death of the Duke of Clarence during a tournament: beautiful brown patina, the large quantity of details of precision and finesse make this sculpture li...
Bronze
A Circa 1900 Cast Replica Model of the François Sauvage Well Head, Cluny, Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Dating to circa 1900, this charming French well head is a replica of an original 15th-century well covering. The original well head was owned by Franco...
Stone, Cast Stone, Cement, Metal, Iron
Old Antique Reclaimed Large Stone Fireplace Mantel with Trumeau Overmantle
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Reclaimed from a castle in Caithness, England, this majestic 115" high mid-18th century hand-carved limestone fireplace is a truly rare and captivating royal masterpiece. It represents an artistic mix of elegance, history and sophistication that has been extremely well kept throughout the years. The perfection within the details of this two-tiered fireplace is quite fascinating. It is a true representation for the skilled craftsmanship and sculptural artistry of the period's master carvers. Engraved right into the trumeau center of this monumental antique mantel...
Limestone, Iron
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks. Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid. Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Brass
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
Red Antique Persian Mahal Excellent Condition Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind red antique Persian Mahal excellent condition hand knotted oriental rug. It has been knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving...
Wool
Victorian sterling silver travelling communion set made in 1894
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1894 by Henry Wilkinson, with pieces also made by Walker & Hall, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Travelling Communion Set, is in the Goth...
Sterling Silver
Medieval Knopped Bronze Candlestick Bell Base, Netherlands, 15th Century
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An 15th Century Gothic socket candlestick in in bronze with a pronounced bell foot, integral drip tray, and a slender, knopped stem rising to a tall socket with an early clean-out ap...
Brass
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m), Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood. Some old traces of polychromy. Restorations to the fingers. but not recently. South...
Poplar
$800Sale Price|20% Off
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Oak
German Gothic Style Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th/20th Century Gothic style German fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The fireback is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Iron
Portal Mirror – Hand Carved Modern Gothic Style Polished Bronze Wall Mirror
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by ancient mirrors, the Portal Mirror is imbued with tarnished aura. Inviting onlookers to the fantastical vision of Realm, this mirror adds a decadent and ritualistic ambia...
Bronze
$996Sale Price|25% Off
4'1"x6'2" Almond Brown, Hand Knotted Cypress Tree Design, Silk With Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Almond Brown, Hand Knotted Cypress Tree Design, Silk With Textured Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centurie...
Silk
96" Blacksmith Made Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Pot Hanger
Located in Buffalo, NY
Blacksmith made iron game hanger, kitchen utensil or pot hanger. A great piece ..Classic design. it is a large rectangular piece it is set with 66 iron hooks,3 broken.. if you don’t...
Iron
Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Wool, Silk
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
Barn Red Antique Persian Kashan Debir Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to makeExact Rug Size in Feet and Inches : 11'2" x 16'8"Main Rug Color : RedRug Border Color : Visa BlueOther Colors of the Rug : Flint, Gray Goose...
Wool
$1,121Sale Price|20% Off
Ceiling Lamp from 1930's, forged and welded steel.
Located in Turku, Finland
Quite special and unique ceiling lamp from 1930's. Designer and manufacturer is unknown but it has a bit same style like Taidetakomo Hakkarainen lamps and other works. Rough hardly...
Metal
$766Sale Price|25% Off
Purple Overdyed Hand Knotted Old Persian Hamadan Wool Clean Rustic Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
19th Century Green Man Carved Oak Hall or Centre Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century green man carved oak hall or centre table This is an intricately and very attractive piece, of Gothic carved oak furniture. The carvi...